Method and Apparatus for Inerting Head Space of a Container by Way of Chute Attachment

ABSTRACT

A process to reduce oxygen in the head space of containers includes introducing an inert gas into the container head space. This may be accomplished during a capping process. A cap chute attachment may be incorporated to transfer gas from an inert gas source to a body portion of the attachment. The gas may be directed into the body portion to pressurize the body portion. The inert gas may then flow through a gas exit end to be directed toward one or both of a cap and a container opening as the cap and container are brought into contact with each other. The inert gas displaces at least a portion of the oxygen from the head space.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming the benefit of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/029,326 filed Jan. 5, 2005, entitled Method and Apparatus for Inerting Head Space of a Capped Container and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/535,150 filed Sep. 26, 2006, entitled Method and Apparatus for Inerting Head Space of a Capped Container.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to bottling of potable fluids subject to microbial attack. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for extending the shelf life of such potable fluids stored in non-pressurized containers with snap-on caps by flushing the container with an inert gas. Also, certain aspects of the invention may involve at least partially displacing the oxygen in the cap and in the container head space with an inert gas.

BACKGROUND

It has long been recognized that removing gaseous oxygen from sealed containers containing potable liquids can extend their shelf lives by reducing the rate of spoiling from microbial attack. Vacuum packaging and the use of bags have been used to eliminate gas altogether from packaging, but inerting, or the filling of the unfilled container space with an inert gas, is also widely used.

In a popular method of inerting, a small dose of liquid nitrogen is injected into a filled container just prior to capping. The nitrogen vaporizes, which displaces oxygen from the container's head space during capping. Some liquid nitrogen remains in the container after capping and vaporizes in the sealed container, which pressurizes the container. However, this method is not useful for non-pressurized containers such as milk and juice bottles. The snap-on caps for these containers are not designed to withstand the pressures developed by the vaporized nitrogen, and the increased pressure created by the vaporized nitrogen breaks the seal between the cap and bottle, allowing air to be sucked back into the container during handling and shipping, renewing microbial attack. As a result, shelf life of non-pressurized capped containers is not significantly extended using this method.

Methods have been developed for inerting the head space in non-pressurized containers such as the classic gable-top paper container. U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,157 issued to Anderson et al. on Oct. 21, 2003 discloses an apparatus and method for filling these containers. It makes used of a special nozzle inserted into the container after filling with product and prior to sealing the container. The inerting step must be carried out as a separate step between filling and sealing the container, and therefore adds more time to the overall packaging cycle, which reduces throughput. Also, the apparatus for positioning, operating and removing the nozzle is complex and relatively expensive.

SUMMARY

In general, certain aspects of the invention involve maintaining low oxygen levels within the sealed container. One may inject an inert gas such as nitrogen simultaneously into the head space of a filled container and the cap used to seal the container during the capping procedure.

In one example embodiment, a method is provided for extending shelf life of a potable liquid in a container sealed by a cap enclosing an opening of the container. The container and cap cooperate to define a head space above the potable liquid. One step of the method is changing the relationship between the cap and opening from a first position to a second position, wherein a distance between the cap and opening is smaller at the first position than at the second position. Another step is introducing an inert gas toward the at least one of the cap and the opening when the cap and opening are at the second position. Another step is sealing the cap on the container with the inert gas enclosed in the head space. The inert gas is delivered from an attachment coupled to a chute. The chute delivers the cap toward the container. The attachment has a body portion pressurized with the inert gas.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus is provided for introducing an inert gas into a head space of a container. The container and cap cooperate to define the head space above a potable liquid in the container. The apparatus includes an inert gas source and a cap chute for transporting a cap from a cap source to the container. The apparatus further includes an inert gas attachment coupled to the inert gas source and to the cap chute. The inert gas attachment includes a coupling section for coupling to the inert gas source and a body portion having a space defined therein. The body portion is coupled to the cap chute. Inert gas from the gas source is directable into the body portion to pressurize the space therein with inert gas. The inert gas is transferable from the body portion toward at least one of the cap and container as the cap and container are brought into contact with each other to form the head space.

Certain aspects of the present invention may have advantages over other methods and apparatus for inerting. Less equipment and space is needed than for apparatus using an inert gas filled environment. The apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention can easily be adapted to existing capping equipment. The inerting process provides improved reduction of oxygen within the container. The head-space inerting process can be carried out between filling and capping the container without adding any time to the overall process. One or more, or none, of these advantages may be provided by any particular embodiment of the invention. Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following detailed description and in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front schematic elevation of an inerting apparatus according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a right side elevation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation for an alternate apparatus embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation for another apparatus embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an elevation of a container and portion of an inerting apparatus according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a container opening and inerting apparatus according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a container opening and inerting apparatus according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an elevation of a container and inerting apparatus according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an elevation of a container and inerting apparatus according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of multiple containers and inerting apparatus according to an example embodiment in a capping and inerting process; and

FIG. 11 is an elevation of a container, cap chute, and cap chute attachment for an inerting process in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A need remains for an effective method and apparatus for inerting a beverage container. Such a method preferably should work with established capping apparatuses and require a minimum of space for the inerting apparatus. In addition, a method and apparatus that can perform the inerting without adding additional time to the overall filling/sealing procedure would be considered advantageous.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a typical apparatus for capping one-gallon plastic milk bottles. The apparatus 11 is shown in schematic with nonessential equipment removed for visibility. Throughout the figures, which are not drawn to scale, equivalent elements are given identical reference numbers. While snap-on caps are shown, it is believed screw-on caps can also make use of the method of the invention for low pressure service, i.e. service in which the pressure in the sealed head space can range from slightly below to slightly above atmospheric pressure when capped, but not at high enough pressure to require a container with features designed to handle elevated pressure (e.g. bottles for carbonated beverages). Therefore, the term ‘cap having a top member and a skirt depending from the top member and defining a skirt volume’ is intended to include both the snap-on caps shown and screw-on caps and caps of other suitable configurations.

A chute 13 is used to transport caps 15 to the bottles 17. Each cap 15 has a top member 19 and a skirt 21 depending from the top member 19 and defining a partially enclosed skirt volume 23 with the top member 19. At the end of the chute 13, a pivotable arm (not shown) holds the next cap 15 to be used in the proper position for being put onto a bottle 17. As the bottle 17 moves along the conveyer track 25 past the cap 15, the skirt 21 engages the bottle 17. The moving bottle biases the cap 15 so that it is released by the pivotable arm and passes under a plate 29 that biases the cap downward, sealing it onto the bottle 17.

The apparatus 11 of the invention comprises a pair of injectors 31, 33 made from nominal half-inch copper tubing mounted on a header block 35 which in turn is attached by an adjustable linkage 37 to the chute 13. Flexible tubing 39 connects the header block 35 to a supply of pressurized nitrogen, preferably through a control loop having a control valve and flow controller (not shown), although other schemes can be used such as manually operated throttling valve and a pressure gauge located between the valve and the header block 35. An alternative embodiment is envisioned but not shown, wherein the header block 35 is absent and the injectors 31 and 33 are individually supplied by flexible tubing or other suitable conduit to the pressurized inert gas supply.

Because the injectors must be located close to the chute 13, the injectors 31 and 33 are separated by a gap 41 to allow tags 43 extending from the caps 15 to pass between the injectors unobstructed. While simple copper tubing is shown, other types of injectors known in the art can also be used, including other cross sectional types such as dispersion fans. Jets and devices that produce a narrow gas stream are not prohibited but are not preferred since a narrow, high velocity gas stream is more likely to produce splashing or otherwise disturb the surface of the container contents. Regardless of the injector shape, one feature of this illustrated example is the proper orientation of the injectors 31, 33 so that the inert gas stream is directed at or just below the point where the cap skirt 21 initially engages the bottle, in order to ensure that both the bottle head space and the cap skirt volume are properly flushed by the inert gas. The adjustable linkage 37 allows the user to experiment with orientation for best results with various equipment models, when the apparatus 11 is retrofit on existing capping equipment. However, the adjustable linkage can be replaced with a fixed mounting bracket or other unadjustable hardware for a particular piece or model of equipment or when manufactured as an integral part of the capping equipment.

The flow of nitrogen is set from about fifty to about two hundred standard cubic feet an hour (SCFH) to ensure the desired reduction of the oxygen level in the head space of a one-gallon milk container. The injectors operate continuously, so that there is some waste of the inert gas in the time interval between containers. The injectors are angled at about fifteen to forty degrees from horizontal, and preferably from about twenty to twenty-five degrees from vertical, and oriented so that a significant part of the flow stream flushes the skirt volume 23. This is necessary because trials have shown that the gas trapped in the skirt volume 23 tends to displace gas from the head space during capping rather than being pushed out into the surrounding environment, so that the gas composition in the cap has a significant impact on the final gas composition in the sealed head space.

FIG. 3 shows an apparatus for use with another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from the preferred embodiment in that the inert gas is injected separately into the head space and the skirt volume by two independent injectors 45 and 47. While this apparatus also works well, it is more sensitive to proper construction and orientation for optimal performance. Therefore, this embodiment is better suited to a fixed installation as shown, rather then being adjustable, although adjustability can still be used. FIG. 4 extends the use of multiple injectors even farther. In this embodiment, the inert gas is injected into the caps at more than one point along the delivery chute. The flow rates of the various injection streams can be set equal to each other, or varied as desired. Also, in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 it is possible, although not shown, to use different inert gases for the different injectors. For example, argon may be preferred for use in flushing the head space, as argon is significantly denser than air and will form a fairly stable and distinct layer within the head space, so that filling the head space will effectively prevent oxygen in the air from settling back into the head space. While carbon dioxide will also work well from a technical standpoint, it is not preferred as it tends to affect the taste of the container contents. Argon's density and tendency to stratify, which help when inerting the head space, work against it in attempting to effectively inert the skirt volume, which is inverted. Here, nitrogen may be more desirable, as it more nearly matches the density of air, and does not stratify, so that it will tend to remain in the skirt volume longer.

The flow of inert gas may be selected so that the oxygen level in the sealed container is less than about fourteen percent by volume, and preferably less than about twelve percent by volume. By contrast, the prior art does not mention any allowable upper limit for oxygen content, and generally implies that proper inerting requires removal of essentially all oxygen from the head space. The inventor has discovered that practical extension of shelf life occurs even when oxygen levels in the head space are as high as about fourteen percent, with shelf life increasing with decreasing oxygen level. As the oxygen level is reduced below six percent by volume, there is a diminishing return to how much shelf life is extended with reduced oxygen level. The discovery that, in certain circumstances, the head space need not be flushed completely free of oxygen makes these example embodiments practical. For example, in certain situations, it is not necessary to insert an inert gas injector into the head space in order to ensure complete flushing of the head space, so the apparatus can be achieved without interfering with the conventional operation of the capping equipment, so there is no throughput penalty. Since complete removal of oxygen is not required, there is no need to create an oxygen-free environment around the container during capping, which eliminates the need for expensive, complicated and bulky apparatus for creating an artificial contained atmosphere around the bottles.

The invention has several advantages over the prior art. The method can be carried out simultaneously and independently of the conventional capping process, so throughput is essentially unchanged. The apparatus is simple and inexpensive to install, and requires relatively little space, especially in comparison to methods and apparatus that create an enclosed low-oxygen atmosphere surrounding the containers during capping. Existing capping equipment can be easily retrofitted to practice the method of the invention.

In still another embodiment, the inert gas may be introduced into the head space via one or more conduits as illustrated in FIGS. 5-10. These conduits may be similar to those previously described herein. However, in certain cases, the conduits may comprise tubes having relatively uniform cross-sectional areas along their respective lengths. The conduits may comprise tubes constructed, for example, from stainless steel.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, first and second conduits 501 and 502 are provided to introduce inert gas into the head space defined by a container 17 and a cap 15, the head space being the space located above the potable liquid. First conduit 501 has an exit opening 503 and second conduit 502 has an exit opening 504. The conduits direct the inert gas from a source (not expressly shown) to the respective exit openings and generally in the direction of the opening of the container 17. In certain embodiments, this is done as the container is being brought into close proximity and/or contact with the cap 15 exiting the cap chute 13. However, the inert gas may be directed toward the container opening at other points during the processing. It should be noted that although two conduits are shown, various embodiments may incorporate only one conduit or more than two conduits.

Each of the conduits 501 and 502 is shown with a bend. However, a bend is not required and the conduits may have any suitable configuration. The configuration of the conduits may depend, for example, on other processing equipment. Also, one conduit may be configured differently than the other conduit.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, the exit opening 603 of a conduit 601 is preferably remote from a space defined by a projection of container opening 607. Thus, the end opening is laterally spaced a distance A from the edge of the container opening 607. FIG. 6 is a top view of the container opening 607 in an example process. Thus, in the example process, the exit opening 603 does not physically penetrate the space defined by the upward projection of the container opening 607. This should prevent any condensation that may occur within or on the conduit 601 from dripping down into the container opening 607. Consequently, contamination from condensation drips may be avoided. The distance A may be determined based at least in part on one or more criteria including, without limitation, the desired flow pressure and/or velocity of inert gas exiting the conduit, the desired flow pressure and/or velocity of inert gas as it reaches the container opening, and the size and/or shape of the opening.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example configuration of two conduits with respect to their angular offsets from the direction of movement of a container during processing. Dashed line 708 represents a direction of movement of the container at the time the inert gas is introduced into the head space. This may occur, for example as the container moves close to the cap chute. First and second conduits 701 and 702 have first and second exit openings 703 and 704 respectively. Dashed lines 705 and 706 represent the respective lateral axes of first and second conduits 701, 702. The lateral axes are determine with respect to a plane defined by a projection of line 708 perpendicular to the plane defined by the container opening 707. First conduit lateral axis 705 is angularly offset from axis 708 by B degrees. Similarly, second conduit lateral axis 706 is offset from axis 708 by B degrees. Although the angular offsets are shown as being the same, the respective offsets may be different. Also, as shown in FIG. 10 for example, a conduit might have zero offset from the direction of movement and still not penetrate the container opening projection. Returning to FIG. 7, the lateral angular offset B is preferably in the range of from 30 to 50 degrees. More preferably, the range is from 40 to 45 degrees. Although the angular offset may be determined in this manner, the offset may also be determined with respect to the lateral flow direction of the inert gas as compared with the direction of movement of the container. Generally, it is expected that the inert gas exits the conduits in the same lateral direction as their respective lateral axes. However, in certain configurations, this might not be the case. For instance, a deflector (not shown) might be desired to change the flow direction of the inert gas after exiting from the conduit but prior to reaching the head space.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a conduit 801 with respect to a container 817. Conduit 801 has an exit opening 803. Conduit 801 has a vertical portion and a non-vertical portion joined by a bend. The vertical portion defines and axis 809 and the non-vertical portion defines an axis 808. A plane 810 is defined by container opening 807. Axis 809 is vertical with respect to plane 810. Thus, angle D is substantially 90 degrees. It should be noted that this is an example only and the conduit 801 may be configured in any suitable manner.

In the illustrated example, the non-vertical portion has a vertical angular offset may be defined by either angle C or angle F. Preferably, the offset defined by angle F is in the range of from 15 to 40 degrees. More preferably, the range is from 25 to 35 degrees. Thus, defined by angle C, the offset is preferably from 140 to 165 degrees and more preferably from 145 to 155 degrees.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example embodiment in which the vertical offsets of two conduits 901 and 902 are different from one another. Inert gas exits first conduit 901 through exit opening 903 and in a first flow direction 908. Inert gas also exits second conduit 902 through exit opening 904 and in a second flow direction 909. The first and second flow directions 908 and 909 define a flow offset of E degrees. The first flow direction 908 is more toward the cap 915 (exiting from cap chute 913) than the second flow direction 909. Also, it may be stated that the first flow direction 908 is more toward the cap 915 than toward the container opening 907 of container 917. The second flow direction is also illustrated as being more toward the cap 915 than toward the container opening 907. However, either or both of the first and second flow directions may be more toward the container opening 907 than toward cap 917 (and still be offset from one another by E degrees).

FIG. 10 illustrates a process flow of a plurality of container 57 having openings 58. The container may be moved along a transport apparatus 60 toward a cap chute 53. As the container approach cap chute 53, it can be seen that a lateral axis of conduit 51 may be aligned with the direction of movement of the respective containers. Thus, a single conduit may supply inert gas through exit opening 52 directly toward the cap/container opening as the cap is being applied to the container. In certain other illustrations wherein two conduits are shown (and are angularly offset from the direction of movement of the container), the respective inert gas flow directions may cooperate with one another to produce a combined flow in the direction of movement of the container.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, inert gas may be introduced to the cap and bottle head space by way of a cap chute attachment 52. Preferably, cap chute attachment 52 may be fixedly coupled to cap chute 13. Cap chute 13 delivers caps 15 to bottles 17. An inert gas supply (not expressly shown) is directed to attachment 52. Chute attachment 52 has a supply coupling section 54 with a first end 55 coupled to the gas supply and second end 56 which opens to the interior volume of a body portion 58.

In one configuration, cap chute 13 is closed along its length. That is, the chute 13 does not have a gap as in certain of the embodiments previously described. In this case, body portion 58 is preferably closed at a distal end 60 and open at a gas exit end 62. In one embodiment, a side of attachment 52 adjacent chute 13 is also open for a part of body portion 58 near distal end 62.

In operation, the gas supply directs inert gas to the first end 55 of coupling section 54. The gas travels through coupling section 54 to the second end 56 where the gas enters body portion 58. As shown in FIG. 11, coupling section 54 has a bend to redirect the inert gas upward and toward the distal end 60 of body portion 58. This configuration is an example only, and the entrance portion may have other configurations to direct inert gas into body portion 58 at any desired and/or suitable angle. For example, depending on the desired pressurization within body portion 58, the angle at which inert gas is introduced may be altered. In certain cases, it may be desirable to direct the inert gas toward distal end 60 in order to pressurize attachment 52.

Inert gas within body portion 58 is trapped with the exception of the opening portions at gas exit end 62. Thus, pressurized inert gas flows through these open portions. The open portion at the gas exit end 62 allows inert gas to flow toward the head space of bottle 17 as the cap 15 is being applied. The open portion on the side adjacent chute 13 near gas exit end 62 allows inert gas to flow toward the interior space within cap 15 as it is being affixed to bottle 17. Thus, inert gas may be simultaneously applied to the cap and the bottle opening at the time the cap is being applied to the bottle. This inert gas displaces oxygen from these spaces, thereby inerting the head space of the capped bottle.

In other configurations, the cap chute 13 may have one or more openings (not expressly shown) along its length. The chute attachment 52 may likewise have one or more openings along the side adjoining chute 13. Thus, inert gas within body portion 58 may be transferred to the interior space of chute 13. In one example, body portion 58 has an opening facing chute 13 near the distal end 60. Chute 13 has a corresponding opening facing attachment 52. Inert gas is transferred from body portion 58 to the interior of chute 13. The inert gas may travel downward in the same direction as caps 15. At least some of the inert gas is trapped in the interior space of caps 15. When a cap 15 is attached to a bottle 17, the inert gas in the cap 15 is likewise trapped in the head space of the capped bottle 17.

In another example of a configuration in which the chute and attachment have one or more openings, the opening(s) on the chute 13 are limited to that portion of chute 13 which is coupled to attachment 52. In this manner, no inert gas may escape upward and through an opening in chute 13 into the atmosphere.

In another example of a configuration in which the chute and attachment have one or more openings, multiple openings are provided along the attachment, and the chute has a longitudinal gap or slot facing the attachment. Thus, the chute as previously described in connection with FIG. 1 may be used. Alternatively, the gap may be limited to the portion of the chute that coincides with the attachment. In this example, inert gas from body portion 58 is transferred at multiple points, through the chute gap, and into the interior space of the chute.

The invention has been shown in several embodiments. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but is capable of being varied and modified without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. A method for extending shelf life of a potable liquid in a container sealed by a cap enclosing an opening of the container, the container and cap cooperating to define a head space above the potable liquid, comprising the step of: changing the relationship between the cap and opening from a first position to a second position, wherein a distance between the cap and opening is smaller at the first position than at the second position; introducing an inert gas toward at least one of the cap and opening when the cap and opening are at the second position; and sealing the cap on the container with the inert gas enclosed in the head space, wherein the inert gas is delivered from an attachment coupled to a chute, the chute delivering the cap toward the container, the attachment having a body portion pressurized with the inert gas.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing the inert gas toward a closed distal end of the body portion to achieve pressurization within the body portion.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising configuring the attachment to direct a first portion of the inert gas from the body portion toward the cap, and a second portion of the inert gas from the body portion toward the container opening.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising configuring the attachment to direct inert gas from the body portion into the chute, wherein an interior space of at least one cap within the chute is inerted and remains at least partially inerted as the at least one cap is attached to a container.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising configuring the attachment to have at least one opening in a side of the body portion adjacent the chute, wherein inert gas is transferable through the at least one opening, through at least one corresponding opening in the chute, and into an interior space within the chute.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing a direction of flow of the inert gas from a supply into the attachment based at least in part on a target gas pressure within the body portion.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the cap is in contact with the container when the inert gas is introduced.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein a direction of flow of at least a first portion of the inert gas from the attachment is angularly offset from a direction of movement of the container at the time the inert gas is introduced.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the inert gas exiting the attachment comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein both a flow direction of both the first and second portions is angularly offset from a direction of movement of the container at the time the inert gas is introduced.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein inert gas exiting the attachment comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein a flow direction of the first portion is angularly offset from a flow direction of the second portion.
 11. The method of claim 1, the attachment further comprising a coupling portion for coupling the attachment to an inert gas supply, the method further comprising redirecting a flow of inert gas within the coupling portion from a first flow direction to a second flow direction.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an exit area from which the inert gas exits the attachment based at least in part on the size of the opening of the container.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising introducing the inert gas at a flow pressure and velocity determined not to displace the potable liquid from the container.
 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising processing a plurality of containers, each of the containers having an opening, and wherein an inert gas exit opening of the attachment is remote from spaces defined by projections of each of the container openings during the processing step.
 15. An apparatus for introducing an inert gas into a head space of a container, the container and cap cooperating to define the head space above a potable liquid in the container, the apparatus comprising: an inert gas source; a cap chute for transporting a cap from a cap source to the container; and an inert gas attachment coupled to the inert gas source and to the cap chute, the inert gas attachment comprising a coupling section for coupling to the inert gas source and a body portion having a space defined therein, the body portion being coupled to the cap chute, wherein inert gas from the gas source is directable into the body portion to pressurize the space therein with inert gas, the inert gas transferable from the body portion toward at least one of the cap and container as the cap and container are brought into contact with each other to form the head space.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the body portion has a distal and a gas exit end, the gas exit end being located closer to the cap and container than the distal end, the distal end being closed and the gas exit end having an opening formed therein, the inert gas being first directed from the coupling section toward the distal end to achieve pressurization of the body portion, the inert gas then flowing from the gas exit end of the body portion toward the cap and container.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, the coupling section directing inert gas from the gas source into the body portion in a direction at least partially determined according to a target pressure for the gas within the space defined by the body portion.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the body portion has an end opening located in proximity to the cap and container, and wherein the end opening is configured to direct a first portion of the inert gas from the body portion more toward the cap than the container, and to direct a second portion of the inert gas more toward the container than the cap.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the body portion has a distal end and a gas exit end, the gas exit end having an opening defined by a first open portion and a second open portion.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first open portion is defined by first plane and the second open portion is defined by a second plane.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first open portion faces the cap chute and wherein the second open portion faces a direction substantially parallel to the cap chute.
 22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the body portion has a plurality of openings therein, and wherein the cap chute has at least one opening in a side portion thereof and corresponding to at least one of the plurality of openings in the body portion of the attachment.
 23. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cap chute has an opening formed in a wall thereof and remote from an exit end of the cap chute, and wherein the body portion of the attachment has a corresponding opening to allow inert gas to be transferred from the interior space of the body portion to an interior space of the cap chute, wherein at least a portion of the inert gas so transferred may be moved by one or more caps toward an exit end of the cap chute to at least partially displace oxygen in the head space as the cap and container are brought into contact with each other. 